IMP SHELTER
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. $15 per person per night, collected via on-site caretaker in summer or self-service cash boxes during off-season. No advance reservations. Groups of 6 or more should notify AMC via the Group Notification System at least two weeks ahead.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 2:28AM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* Air temperatures in the lower 60s to lower 70s this weekend (50s on Sunday) may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the mid 50s across Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the mid 50s in the regions smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could loose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket! * Generally light and variable winds shift to southerly today. Winds will be breezy this afternoon with some gusts up to 25 mph. If boating on large bodies of water, these strong winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe, or kayak due to increased wave heights.
About
Imp Shelter sits at the heart of the Carter-Moriah range in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, just 0.1 miles off the main Appalachian Trail ridge. The site offers a timber-framed shelter that was fully restored in 2021, along with four small shared tent platforms (accommodating 2 tents each) and one larger group platform (3-5 tents). Total capacity is approximately 12-17 people. Amenities include a composting privy, a dedicated dishwashing area, and metal bear boxes for food storage. A spring provides water, though all water must be filtered before drinking. During summer months, an AMC caretaker is on site to collect fees and maintain the area. Outside caretaker season, the site operates on a self-service basis with cash boxes for fee payment. The surrounding terrain is steep and densely forested with spruce and fir. Access requires hiking in via the Carter-Moriah Trail, making this a destination for backpackers and thru-hikers rather than car campers.
Directions
From Route 2 near Gorham, hike south on the Carter-Moriah Trail (Appalachian Trail). Imp Shelter is located on a 0.1-mile spur trail off the main ridge between North Carter Mountain and Mount Moriah.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Imp Shelter Page | |
| AMC Backcountry Campsites |
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